Ah, the ebb and flow of internet connectivity!

After replacing our computer tower and modem thanks to a lovely summer thunderstorm with more lightning than I've ever seen, I'm back.

A quick rundown on things we've unexpectedly had to replace in the past month:
* computer tower
*cord for laptop
*VAN
*wireless dsl modem

Now one would think that replacing the computer stuff is not a priority, except that my husband has gone back to school. He is doing distance learning through Liberty University and all of his courses are online, and classes started last Monday. So you see, replacing the computer and getting back online was imperitive!

I sometimes wish I could hug and kiss my material things the way that my toddler does. If I weren't so small and my van so big I would totally wrap my arms around it and hug it with a huge grin plastered to my face. It's a full size van (Ford Econoline), but it only seats 7 so I have TONS (and I do mean TONS) of cargo room in the back. This is such a blessing as we had long since outgrown the minivan and it was impossible to keep it clean because we were literally overflowing in it. The coolest feature about this van is that it will grow with us - we can add another bench if and when we need to.

And I am seriously hoping we need too soon. We've been trying for a close in age sibling for Sarah for over a year now and still no luck. This cycle I tried Soy Isoflavones, which is basically a herbal clomid. I'm entering the 2ww (two week wait) now so we shall see what we shall see. Everything I've read says it has a high rate of success. I took it on days 3-7, same as my succesful clomid cycle which produced Miss Sarah.

With the replacing of the van we have jumped into a whirlwind of summer activity. I started the summer break by administering CAT tests (California Achievement Tests) to Emelia and Elijah as part of our CLASS (Christian Liberty Academy School System) homeschool program. This test is to determine where they are at academically and tailor their curriculumn for next year accordingly. I got notification today that they're tests have been received and graded and that the results for each will be included with their curriculumn shipment.

The first week of summer break was largely a stay at home kind of week as we did not have a vehicle large enough to carry all 5 children AND the driver. As soon as we got the new van though, we were off! I can't remember much of what we did last week except that there was a trip to Alum Springs.

This week is busy busy busy! Monday was lunch at my friend Jamie's house with her and our friend Jessica and our combined 15 kids. You'd think such an undertaking would involve mass chaos, but with our group it never does. Once in a while an extra kid will be added to the mix who adds drama but when it's just our kids it all goes very smoothly.

Today was a picnic at the USMC museum park with my friend Ashleigh and her 3 girls. Despite her girls being so much younger than Emelia, they get along beautifully. Ashleigh's youngest is 2 years older than Sarah but I think the two of them are going to be good buddies. What's funny and weird is Phoebe and Sarah look EXACTLY like sisters. What's funny about that is neither Gene or I look ANYTHING like Phoebe's parents!

Tomorrow is free summer movie with my friend Gillian and some of her kids. Her oldest is away at camp this week.

Thursday is another day planned with Jamie and her clan unless something comes up - a trip to Colonial Beach! I've been trying to think of a cheap and easy way to construct a shelter for my little blue eyed red head baby when we go to the beach. I'm wondering if turning a pack n play on it's side and covering it with a blanket would work? Probably not... not tall enough.

Friday will probably be a go to the Y day. We haven't been since Baseball season started because between church, school, and baseball there was never enough time. We haven't been since school let out because a) we didn't have a famiy vehicle for a little while there and b)I am missing 3 of our Y cards. I'm about to give up but know full well that once I get them replaced I will find them.

We have our family membership to the Science Museum in Richmond and I need to use that. Maybe Saturday.

While I am sure there is so much more I could find to write about (like how ADHD boy has been doing since school let out!) it is very late and I need to get to bed. My poor kids just went down a little bit ago (dinner was late because I forgot to put it in the oven) and I'm dragging them out of bed in the morning to go see Charlotte's Web (they don't have to go if they don't want to, but I doubt any will choose to be left behind).

Overall, I'm excited about what this summer has to bring. A chance to reconnect with my kiddos, time to catch up on all the child training that seems to fall by the wayside during the business of the school year, and lots of firsts for Miss Sarah.